The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your Baby Crib should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height tots and cots casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.